Disk harrow



6 Sheets-Sheet l a e a Q a J. H. TAYLOR DISK HARROW Aug. 17, 1954 FiledApril 5, 1948 INVENTOR. i P11155113]:

flq ATTORNEYS.

J. H. TAYLOR Aug. 17, 1954 DISK HARROW 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 5,1948 J. H. TAYLOR Aug. 17, 1954 DISK HARROW 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed April5, 1948 INVENTOR. J. I-I T515101" 1,4 2mg M ATTORN EYS.

J. H. TAYLOR Aug. 17, 1954 DISK HARROW 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April 5,1948 ag loo v ATTORNEYSv J. H. TAYLOR Aug. 17, 1954 DISK HARROW 6Sheets-Sheet 5 Filgd April 5, 1948 Aug. 17, 1954 J. H. TAYLOR 2,536,395

\ DISK HARROW Filed April 5, 1948 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 A %//////%A &//// A\\\k Sn ATTORNEY Patented Aug. 17, 3354 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE DISKHARROW Joseph H. Taylor, Athens, Tenn.

Application April 5, 1948, Serial No. 19,119

6 Claims. 1

This invention relates to improvements in harrow construction.

The primary object of this invention is the provision of a heavy dutytype of plowing harrow having improved means to regulate the gangs ofplowing discs.

A further object of this invention is the provision of an efficienteasily operated type of disc harrow having improved means for attachmentwith a power unit.

A further object of this invention is the provision of an improved framestructure for harrows.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a harrow havingimproved means for angling the disc gangs.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a harrow havingimproved supporting and bearing means for the discs forming the gangs.

A further object of this invention is the provision of a very durabletype of disc harrow having safety factors which will adapt the same forharrowing and plowing under a wide variety of conditions.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from thefollowing detailed description.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, andwherein similar reference characters designate corresponding partsthruout the several views,

Figure 1 is a side elevation showing the discs of the gangs in axialalignment, with the draft tongue horizontally positioned.

Figure 2 is a view showing an improved type of angling latch.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary plan view of the harrow with the disc gangs inplowing and harrowing positions.

Figure 4 is a cross sectional view taken substantially on the line 44 ofFigure 3.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary plan view of the harrow with the disc gangs inaxial alignment.

Figure 6 is a front elevation of the harrow with the gangs in theposition shown in Figure 5.

Figure '7 is a rear elevation of the harrow with the disc gang axes inalignment.

Figure 8 is a cross sectional view taken substantially on the line 88 ofFigure 7 and showing more particularly the rear draft connections forthe gangs.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary cross sectional View taken in a vertical planeaxially of a disc gang; showing more particularly the supporting andbearing arrangement thereof.

Figure 10 is a cross sectional view taken substantially on the lineIII-I0 of Figure 3.

Figure 11 is a cross sectional view taken substantially on the line II--I I of Figure '7.

Figure 12 is a detailed view of a split clamp type nut structure for therotatable tubing of one of the disc gangs.

Figure 13 is a modification showing means for quick release of a draftconnection with the barrow tongue.

Figure 14 is a fragmentary view showing the inner draft connections ofthe gangs with the rear frame structure of the harrow.

Figure 15 is a fragmentary view showing modifled means for quickadjustment of the outer ends of the disc gangs for the purpose ofvarying the vertical angle thereof.

In the drawings, wherein for the purpose of illustration are shownpreferred and modified forms of the invention, the letter A maygenerally designate the improved harrovv. It includes a frame B having aplurality of gangs C connected therewith by forward draft connection Dand rear draft connections E. Means F is provided for adjusting thevertical working angle of the gangs.

Referring to the frame structure B, the same includes a tongue I 0formed of a pair of angle irons I I and I2, positioned as shown in Fig.4 with the vertically positioned leg portions 13 and I l thereof spacedto provide way I5. Upper legs 16 and i1 thereof lie in the same planeand are adapted to slidably receive the front draft connection boxstructure I3.

Broadly it is old to forwardly angle harrow gangs. The specificimprovements with respect to the outer end draft connection consists ofthe box i8 above described. It includes a top plate 20 having welded atthe under side thereof guide channels 2I and 22 which respectively slideon the outer margins of the tongue flanges IS and H, as shown in Figure4. To the laterally projecting ends of the box plate 20 are pivotallyconnected the upstanding ends 24 of draft links 25 and 26, in anyapproved manner, such as by stud ends and cotter pins. The slide boxwill move along the tongue structure, as is quite apparent.

The disc gang angle varies widely in degree according to the type ofwork desired. The structure mainly includes an adjustment bar having aseries of pin receiving openings 3i therein. The bar 30 is provided witha pair of attaching studs 32*, in spaced relation, which may bedetachably connected by bolts 32 with the vertical leg portions of theangles II and I2 in any of a series of appropriately spaced openings 33provided therefor. This constitutes a major adj ust ment for angling.For minor angling adjustments a latch structure 40 is provided. Itincludes an attaching bar 4i having a detachable pin connection 42 withany of the series of openings 3!, and at its opposite end having pivotedthereto a latch lever 43 by means of a pivot pin 4 The latch lever 43 isprovided with a stop plate l adapted to receive thereagainst the plate20 of the slide box I8, when the details of the latching arrangement arein the position shown in Figure 3, for the purpose of holding the gangsat an angle. In order to release the slide box it is merely necessaryfor the operator thru the latching cord 46 to pull the latch lever tothe position shown in Figure 2, and the slide box can move past the stopplate 45, thru a camming action which will be perfectly apparent.

When stalled or stuck the operator may release the anglin latch. Thiswill temporarily free the tractor entirely from the load. The power unitwill then be able to move to firm soil and pull the harrow out ofworking angle until freed from the stalled position. Upon reversing thepower unit, the working angle will be automatically set, since (assuminthe parts are then in the position shown in Figure l) the tongue willslide thru the slide box with a camming action along the sloping underedge of the bar 4! until the slide box moves past the stop plate 45, andthe positions are automatically set.

Independent of the angling latch arrangement for freeing the power unit,I may provide a modifiled feature, such as shown in Figure 13, foraccomplishing the same purpose. This consists of attachin to the tonguestructure iii a barrel type casing ll, as at 18. The barrel or sleevecasing t? slidably receives a rod Q8 having a telescoping actiontherewith. It is provided with a head 59 adapted to be latched by alatch 50 in position against forward movement with respect to the tongueID. The power unit draft connection 5! has a detachable connection 52with a clevis arrangement secured to the slide bar 48. The latch 59 iscontrolled by the operatorfroin the power unit thru a line 53.Unlatching thru pulling on the line will permit the rod 48 to movethrough the sleeve t! and of course the power unit or tractor is thentemporarily disconnected from the load of the harrow. The power unit canmove ahead to firm soil and when the harrow is pulled out of positionafter the working angles of the discs have been straightened the powerunit can be reversely moved and the telescoping action and latchsecurement will be automatic. Both this type of connection and theangling latch connection above described can be incorporated in the sameharrow.

Referring to the power unit clevis type of connection for the tongue,the same includes an upper supporting part 55 detachably connected as at53 to the tongue angles through risers 55 and 55, the former of whichconstitutes a stop for slide plate 28. The clevis can be verticallyadjusted thru bolt connection on selected openings 55 The lower part 57is pivotally connected at 58 to the stationary tongue connected part 55.The parts 55 and 51 are spaced at their fore ends and receive adetachable draft connecting pin or bolt 55. When the latter is removedthe part 5'! may be SWllIlg sideways. This clevis arrangement preventsshimming, running sideways, dipping, digging in, and running at anuneven depth,

and enables smooth, even mulching of the soil. The simplicity ofconnection and disconnection is obvious, allowing the harrow tongue tobe raised or lowered without moving the power unit. It is sufficientlyflexible to permit the power unit and harrow to be driven over seams,ditches and uneven land contours.

Referring to the assemblage of the gangs C, each of the same includes adead axle 60 upon which the disc tube or cylinder 65 rotates; beingsupported at its ends upon the dead axle 60 by tapered thrust bearings.The outer end is supported upon a double thrust bearing 63, as shown inFigure 9. The outer bearing structure includes a steel sleeve S t havinga ground fit on the dead end of the axle and adapted to receive bearingthrust. 'Outwardly the sleeve is encased in a conventional seal ring 65having washers 65 at each side thereof to prevent lubricant leakage. Theinner end of the dead axle 60 is provided with a draft connecting block'lil which may be welded as at H. The outer end of the cylinder isprovided with a pair of steel spacer rings or sleeves 12 havingthereabout conventional seal rings 13 and provided with intermediate andend washers 14, one of which abuts against the thrust bearing 52. Thebearing 62 is held in place upon the outer end of the axle by means of anut :6 threaded upon the axle and engaging against one of the washers M.This nut 16 is kerfed at its outer side for receiving certain ribportions ll welded upon bracket arm 18; the latter being attached to theouter end of the axle by means of a nut '59 threaded upon the outer endof the axle, as shown in Figure 9. Oil or lubricant is supplied to thespace 89 between the axle and the rotating cylinder Bl thru a fitting 82secured upon the outer end of the axle. This feeds lubricant thru apassageway 83 and. a lateral duct 84 into the space 80.

It is quite obvious that the axles may vary in length, for receiving thedesired number of plowing discs. To that end, the assemblage isaccomplished from the outer end of the axle. The innermost disc 85 abutsagainst a plate 86 which may be welded or otherwise secured upon theextreme inner end of the tube 6|. The disc assemblages from thereon aredetachable (from the outer end of the tube 64). Seating plates 87 arelocated at the inner sides of the discs for receiving the smaller endsof the tapered spacer sleeves 88; the latter at the outer ends thereofbeing provided with flanged portions 89 for receiving the adjacent disc85 in socketed engagement thereagainst. The outermost disc 35 at theconcaved side thereof may have a ring 81 against which a disc retainingnut 88 engages. The nut 88 is threaded upon the externally threadedouter end of the cylinder 6i, as shown in Figure 9 of the drawings. Ithas a bifurcated split portion 89 adapted to receive a clamping bolt 98for the purpose of clamping the nut in proper position againstaccidental movement after its position has been set upon the screwthreaded portion of the cylinder.

The facility with which the disc assemblage may be tightened is obvious.The nut 88 elimihates the necessity of special wrenching, since theclamp bolt 98 can be moved with a common wrench and the properadjustment made by hammering the nut 88 upon its external lug providedsurfacing, as will be noted from Figures 1 and 12.

The gang structure C each include a weight box N6, of channel formation.They swing with the gang arrangement. Individual weighing of the gangspermits desired weight adjustment in order to secure equal penetrationof the gan on plowed surfacing while the other gang is operating onrough or unplowed surfacing, and the advantages of which will beapparent to those skilled in the art. The outside frame bracket 18 ofeach gang is properly bowed to make provision for turning of the outsidediscs. It is inturned over the top of the bottom of the weight box E andbolted at I0! to the weight box, as shown in Figure 10. Each bracket 18may have a welded forward extension :02, for attachment of the rear endsof the draft links 26 and 21. These draft links are convexed at theirouter ends adjacent the pivotal connections with the bracket extensionM32, as shown at I83, for the purpose of warding off objects which mayget in the way of the harrow and for striking glancing blows off shrubs,fences, etc.

The inner ends of the channel-shaped weight boxes I00 are provided withdetachable connecting brackets I04, best shown in Figure '7 of thedrawings. They have lower vertically positioned end portions I05, alsoshown in cross section in Figure 8. These portions I of the brackets I04have bolts I06 pivotally connecting them to the upper ends of theattaching blocks I0 at the inner ends of the gang shafts, as shown inFigure 8.

The under sides of the weight boxes I00 are provided with suitabledetachable scrapers I0l for the concaved sides of the discs. The weightboxes serve not only as frame structures for reinforcing the disccylinders and the gangs, but also provide means for adding weight in abalanced condition to the gangs, and afford means for support of thescrapers.

Referring to the inner draft connection E for the gangs, a standard I I0is provided. It is sturdy and extends thru th space between the tongueangles at the rear of the tongue I0, as shown in Figure 8, and is boltedthereto at l The standard III] at its lower end is provided with lateralextensions I II and H2 (see Figure 14) provided with vertically disposedopenings H3 therethru which are flared with an upward divergence. Thegang bracket arms I04 of the two independent gang structures are eachprovided with forwardly disposed welded extensions II5 and provided withupwardly disposed spindles or studs I I6 adapted to seat in the bearingopenings II3. These spindles IIIS are upwardly flared in convergentshape so that they may have a rocking action in their bearing openings II3; as will occur when the gangs are lifted in a vertical plane forvarying the vertical angle at the outer ends of the gangs, undercircumstances to be subsequently described.

Attention is called to the fact that the standard H0 in addition to itsbolting at III to the rear end of the frame tongue I0 is also secured inposition by means of an angle piece I20, shown in Figures 6 and 8, by aforwardly and downwardly extending brace bar I2I connected detachably atI22 to the tongue I0. The standard IIO has a rearward inclination of 2Referring to angle adjusting means F, for further support of the outerends of gangs C, and to insure proper angle inclination of the discs ofth gangs under circumstances to be hereinafter described, I provide avertically adjustable sleeve or box structure I 30 non-rotatablyslidable upon the upper end of the standard H0. It has laterallyextending wings I3I to which the upper and inner ends of supporting andconnecting 6,, rods I34 are connected, as shown in Figure 7. Thisadjusting sleeve or casing I30 is maintained in desired spacedadjustment with respect to the rear end of the tongue I0 by means of asupporting member I35, shown in Figure 8 as bolted or connected at I36between the angles at the rear end of the tongue I0. The member I35 atits upper end is screw threaded and adjustably bolted as at I31 to aflanged portion I38 of the adjustable box or casing sleeve I30. Theouter ends of the supporting and connecting rods I34 are pivotallyconnected to apertured ears of straps hi0 which are attached in therecessed top surfaces of a rotation preventing channel I4I whichstraddles the top portion of the brace 18, as shown in Figure 10; thebolt IOI securing all of these pieces l iii, I4I, I8 and I00 together atthis point. Brief reference at this time will be made to the fact thatmerely by adjusting the nut I31 the sleeve 530 may be moved along thestandard to vary the position of the outer ends of the gangs, as will bequit apparent.

The box I3ii is built up of welded pieces in the shape shown in thecross sectional view Figure 11.

The inner ends of th gangs at the weight boxes IIO are further connectedand supported by means of bracket extensions I50 which are linkconnected at I5I with th angle piece I20 above described. These linksprovide proper support and draft for the gangs at the inner ends inaddition to the lower connections above described and also permit of theouter ends of the gangs to gradually lift as they are swung from theiraxially aligned position into forward angled position. Of course thismovement is enabled by reason of the oif-vertical position of thestandards H0, as shown in Figure 8, which always controls the positionof the box I30, however adjusted on the standard, and likewise controlsthe pivot connections of the connecting rods I34 with respect to thepivot connections of the links I5I.

Referring to Figure 6, it will be noted that when the gangs are in axialalignment as during normal inoperative travel of the harrow, the loweredges of the discs lie in the same horizontal plane designated by dotand dash line I60. However, due to the structure immediately abovedescribed, as the gangs are angled forwardly, the outer ends of thediscs are gradually elevated until the lower edges of the discs lie inplanes at an acute angle to the horizontal, as designated by the linesIBI and I62.

It will be noted that the mechanism which controls the vertical tiltingof the gangs is centrally located Means other than that described may beprovided to regulate the degree of angling, such as shown in Figure 15where the box or slide I30 which corresponds to the slide box I30 abovedescribed, may be lifted by a regulating lever I70 pivoted thereto atIll. The lever III at its rear end, beyond the standard IIO, may beprovided with an adjustable pin connection I12 with a supporting rod I73pivoted at I'M upon the rear end of the tongue structure I0. It isobvious that due to the spacing of the pivot connections I70 and 412,the box I31} may be raised or lowered. I may provide a suitable controlpawl I15 upon the lever I70 operating over a detent segment IIB whichmay be attached to the box I30 the same being pro vided with teethbetween which the pawl may seat to hold th proper adjustment of theslide box I30. This leverage assemblage may extend to the power unit ifdesired, and also other means may be used for securing quick adjustmentof the tilting angle of the gangs, such, for instance, as thruconventional hydraulic mechanism, etc.

It is obvious that both gangs run at perfect level when the gangs are inaxial alignment, thereby lessening danger of breakage to any individualdiscs when passing over rough, stony places or other hazardous objectsor when being transported.

The ordinary method of use of the harrow will be to cut one gang thrualready harrowed surfacing while the other gang section is operating onunplowed land. It is thus obvious that individual weighting of the gangsis very important otherwise the harrow would be subject to transversesliding and cause uneven plowing, and at the same time causing the gangson stalky or trashy unplowed soil to leave undesirable piles of debris.By adding additional weight to the gangs on the unplowed soil the debrisis left in an even condition so that the opposite gang will notencounter difficulty in handling such. As the result of individualweighting of the gangs there is an even plowing and distribution ofdebris in the plowed soil.

With respect to the use of multiple bearings, compactness is provided,eliminating the necessity for special discs with large central openings.With multiple bearings the required amount of radial and thrustresistance is obtained and standardizing of bearing seals and bearingsis provided. Also, the bearing assemblage is such as to permit the useof very light lubricant, much more so than with conventional powerbarrows, thereby providing more efficient lubrication. As to the bearingadjustment, such is accomplished with ease thru the nut structure at theouter end of the gang shaft. The assemblage provides for strength thruelimination of the necessity of cotter pins, holes in shafts, etc.

The unique angling effect permits the draft from the power unit to beapplied at the fartherest possible distance from the bearing weight andexert the largest possible amount of leverage on the cylinder gangs withgiven amount of energy.

As before stated, the common method of using the harrow will be to plowone-half of new soil with one gang while going over the previouslyplowed area with the other gang. The tendency in disc harrowing is tocause a lateral piling up of the soil at the outer end of the gang.Because the gangs when in forward angled position are also verticallyangled so that the outer discs are higher than the inner discs such willcompensate for this condition of plowing or harrowing by leaving thefinely harrowed area in properly leveled condition.

The slide box 58 may be reversed, to compensate for wear.

Various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be madeto the forms of invention herein shown and described without departingfrom the spirit of the invention or the scope of th following claims.

I claim:

1. In a power type plow harrow the combination of a frame including anelongated tongue structure, a pair of disc type gangs, a slide membermovable along the tongue forwardly of the gangs, link means connectingthe slide member with the outer ends of the gangs, means to releasablyhold the position of the slide member in desired adjustment along thetongue to hold the angled positioning of the gangs, an upright standardfixedly connected with the tongue between said gangs, a verticallyadjustable slide member upon said standard, link means connecting saidlast mentioned slide member with the outer ends of the gangs, means toadjust and hold the position of the slide member upon said standard tovary the outer end elevation of said gangs, and draft connecting meansconnecting the inner ends of said gangs to said frame, said uprightbeing inclined at its upper end at a slight angle rearwardly to thevertical whereby upon forward movement of the outer ends of the gangssaid outer ends of the gangs will elevate to limited degree with respectto the inner ends.

2. In a plow disc type harrow the combination of a supporting framestructure, a pair of gangs, means connecting said gangs to the framestructure on individual horizontal axes at their adjacent ends so thatthe outer end of the gangs can be swung upwardly for vertical angling,means connecting said gangs at their inner ends independently to theframe structure on substantially vertical axes so the gangs can be swungforwardly in substantially a horizontal plane for forward angling, andmeans connecting the gangs to the frame for synchronizing the movementof vertical angling with the movement of horizontal forward angling ofthe gangs so that as said gangs are swung forwardly they will be liftedslightly at their outer ends in a vertical direction and in proportionto the forward angling.

3. In a plow disc type harrow the combination of a supporting framestructure including a forwardly extending tongue and an upstandingstandard rigidly connected at the rear end to the tongue, a pair ofgangs, means independently mounting the gangs at their adjacent ends tothe standard upon substantially vertical pivot axes so the gangs can beswung forwardly, said last mentioned means providing loose connectionsto permit the gangs at their outer ends to be also swung slightlyupwardly in vertical direction, pivot means on the frame structureconnecting each of the gangs adjacent to said vertical pivotal axes uponhorizontal pivot axes to permit of vertical swinging of the gangs attheir outer ends, and means connected to the upper end of the standardabove the said pivot axes swivelly connecting the outer ends of thegangs to said standard.

4. In a plow disc type harrow the combination of a supporting framestructure including a forwardly extending tongue and an upstandingstandard rigidly connected at the rear end to the tongue, a pair ofgangs, means independently mounting the gangs at their adjacent ends tothe standard upon substantially vertical piv- 0t axes so the gangs canbe swung forwardly, said last mentioned means providing a looseconnection to permit the gangs at their outer ends to be swung slightlyupwardly in vertical direction, means at the adjacent ends of said gangsmounting the same on horizontal pivot axes to permit of said upwardswinging of the gangs at their outer ends in vertical direction, andmeans connected to the upper end of the standard above the pivot axesabove mentioned for swivelly connecting the outer ends of the gangsthereto, said vertical and horizontal pivot axes of the gangs upon saidstandard bearing such relation to each other and the upper swivelconnections between the standard and the outer ends of the gangs that asthe gangs are swung forwardly their outer ends will be slightly andproportionately lifted vertically.

5. In a plow disc harrow the combination of a supporting frame includinga tongue, a pair of gang discs, means connecting the gang discs at theiradjacent ends to the frame structure for forward swinging at their outerends, a slide box slidable along the tongue, means connecting the slidebox with the outer ends of said gangs, a member connected with thetongue providing a stop for receiving thereagainst the slide box in itsrearmost position when the gangs are substantially axially aligned intheir rearmost positions, a latch lever having means pivotally connectedto the tongue and having a stop plate thereon located forwardly of saidmember in such relation that when the latch lever is in one positionwith respect to the tongue its stop plate will engage or receivethereagainst the slide box in a rearward movement limiting position tohold the gangs forwardly angled, the latch lever having means connectedtherewith to permit pivotal action thereof to change the position of thestop plate whereby the slide box will have a camming action thereon topermit the slide box to move rearwardly against the said member as anabutment.

6. In a plow disc harrow the combination of a main supporting frameincluding tongue, a pair of gang discs each including an elongatedframe, means connecting the gang disc frames at their outer ends to thetongue for simultaneous forward and rearward movements, an upstandingstandard rigidly connected to the rear of the frame, a pair of linksconnecting the adjacent ends of said gang frames to the main frameimmediately forward of the said standard at a location above the gangs,each of said links being pivotally connected to its respective gangframe at a location immediately rearwardly of said standard, a memberslidably mounted for vertical adjustment along said standard at alocation above said links, a connecting rod for each of the gang framesconnected to the outer end of the frame and extending therefrom andconnected at their inner adjacent ends to said slidab-le member, meansto adjustably hold the slidable member in a desired vertical adjustmentupon said standard, and means swivelly connecting the ad jacent ends ofsaid gang frames to the main frame at a location below said links.

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